Guterres to make historic Syria visit after 17 years
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will visit Syria on Saturday. It will be the first visit by a serving UN secretary-general to the country since 2009.
The visit comes at a major turning point for Syria. The country is trying to rebuild after years of war, political instability and international isolation.
Syria’s conflict began in 2011. It continued for almost 14 years. The war killed hundreds of thousands of people. Millions more were forced to leave their homes.
The conflict ended with the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Syrian opposition forces removed Assad from power after a rapid offensive.
The country is now being led through a transitional period under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. His administration is seeking to establish a new political system and restore Syria’s relations with the international community.
Guterres is expected to meet Sharaa during his visit to Damascus. He will also hold talks with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
The UN secretary-general is also expected to meet other Syrian officials. He will hold discussions with representatives of civil society as part of his visit.
The United Nations says Guterres will focus on Syria’s future. He is expected to underline the importance of creating a stable, inclusive and prosperous country.
The visit is also expected to highlight the need for national reconciliation. Syria faces major challenges after years of destruction and displacement.
The country’s transition has not been without difficulties. Sectarian violence remains a serious concern.
Large numbers of Alawites were killed in violence in Syria’s coastal region last year. The Alawite community was closely associated with the former Assad government.
Violence later affected the Druze community in southern Syria. Hundreds of people were reportedly killed during clashes.
Guterres has expressed concern over both episodes of violence. He has called for accountability and protection for Syria’s minority communities.
The new Syrian government is also working to restore diplomatic relations. Damascus wants to move beyond the alliances that dominated the country during Assad’s rule.
Syria had long relied heavily on Russia and Iran. The new leadership is now seeking broader international engagement.
Sharaa has already taken steps towards rebuilding Syria’s global diplomatic presence. Last year, he became the first Syrian president since 1967 to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.
Washington has also taken steps towards improving relations with Damascus. The United States has removed most of its broad sanctions on Syria.
US President Donald Trump has also indicated that Washington intends to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Guterres is expected to address Syria’s new parliament on Monday. The speech could focus on the country’s political transition and its future relationship with the international community.
He will also visit a UN peacekeeping force operating near the Israeli-Syrian frontier. The force has maintained a buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces for decades.
The situation in southern Syria remains sensitive. Israeli forces have occupied additional areas in the region since Assad’s removal.
The Syrian government has demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Damascus has also called for a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Guterres’ visit therefore carries significant diplomatic importance. It comes as Syria attempts to rebuild its institutions, economy and international relationships.
For the United Nations, the visit also provides an opportunity to engage directly with Syria’s new leadership.
